Add these new KOAs to your 2017 camping bucket list.
Every year, new campgrounds join the Kampgrounds of America family expanding our system across the United States and Canada. This year’s KOA Directory, releasing in March, will feature 490 KOA campgrounds for you to visit including 15 brand new locations. With so many new places to explore, we’ll introduce you to eight of these KOA campgrounds in January. Next month, we’ll visit another eight and you’ll still be left with plenty of time to plan a summer road trip or two.
Lava Hot Springs / City Center KOA | Idaho
Conveniently located just three blocks from downtown Lava Hot Springs and its famous namesake mineral springs, the Lava Hot Springs / City Center KOA is a comfortable, open-all-year campground. With river front, full hookup RV sites complete with private patios this KOA campground is an RVer’s dream. These newly updated sites are just the start of this campground’s upgrades, the location also features a new laundromat, bathrooms, playground, Jumping Pillow and a newly remodeled cabin that sleeps up to 15! We’re not surprised when owners Kody and Andi Tillotson say they’re on a mission to make sure their campers “relax and have fun.”
Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA | Missouri
Located minutes from Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Missouri, the Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA. is the second KOA location for owner Roberto Munoz. Operating a successful KOA in California, Roberto and his staff have quickly gone to work on updating the campground from the ground up. “The campground was built in 1985, with 68 spots that are all full hookups,” Roberto says. “All of them were 50-amp as well, which is one of the things that intrigued me about the property.”
Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA, open year-round, features pull-through and back-in RV Sites as well as Tent Sites. Most recently, two Deluxe Cabins were added to the property, featuring private bathrooms and kitchenettes. Amenities include a swimming pool, game room, a lounge (called the Americana Room) and a business center. Banana bike rentals are available, and a gem mining station has been added.
Roberto says that the Lebanon area has embraced him and the campground management team. “We’re getting great feedback,” he notes. “We’re also looking forward to becoming a part of the community as well—in every aspect.
Strafford / Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA | New Hampshire
Formerly the Crown Point Campground, the Strafford / Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA lies in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Originally purchased by Jay and Kim Gagnon in 2002, the campground was ideal for these former city dwellers. “We came from the city, where you don’t even let your kids play in the front yard,” says Jay. “Here they can run around and enjoy themselves.”
Jay’s desire to provide a high quality, family experience is obvious in the many features and amenities of this KOA. The campground offers full hookup back-in sites, popular Deluxe Cabins, and water and electric tent sites. For fun guests young and old will enjoy the parkling swimming pool, H20 Fun Zone & Water Park, playground, fishing in the on-property pond, wagon rides, boat rentals, fully-stocked store and a rec hall with games and seating area.
Coshocton KOA | Ohio
The Coshocton KOA , owned by Ryan and Camille McPeek, has been undergoing many changes since the couple purchased the park in 2013. Formerly the Colonial Campground, it now features beautiful pull-through and back-in RV Sites with both full and partial hookups redesigned to accommodate the needs of today’s largest RVs. Amenities include a family-friendly playground, free Wi-Fi and a newly-renovated indoor event center ideal for weddings, family reunions and other social events.
They’ve also added truly standout features uncommon among campgrounds. In 2015 the McPeeks added a corn maze to the property that is as much for the Coshocton community as it is for guests visiting the campground. “This is a big production that lasts 9 weeks,” notes Ryan. “We have games, a hayride, a corn box and concessions. Our last theme was space exploration and it will change every year.”
Ryan and Camille are looking forward to even more changes including beginning construction on a swimming pool. “We like living here and adding something to the community,” says Ryan. “Having this as our home continues to motivate us make this park the very best it can be.”
Sunbury / Columbus North KOA | Ohio
A short 30 minute drive from downtown Columbus, the Sunbury / Columbus North KOA features a set of relaxing amenities sure to please any traveler. “Our number one priority is to provide a clean, relaxing, fun-filled experience during every visit,” says Chip Hanawalt who owns the campground with his wife, Bambi.
In addition to comfortable RV sites, tent sites and several types of cabin accomodations, the Sunbury / Columbus North KOA also offers a stocked fishing lake, exercise room, petting zoo, planned activities and even an on-site day spa. That’s right, at this KOA you can enjoy a massage and a cozy campfire! This campground is also perfect for group with its catering and banquet facilities.
Thompson / Grand River KOA Holiday | Ohio
Located on 70 acres in beautiful Geauga County Ohio, the Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA Holiday is just a convenient drive from Cleveland on I-90. A family friendly KOA with lots of activities for all ages, owners Don and Cheryl Arnold aren’t shy to say that they have big plans for their new KOA. “Right away we purchase four new Deluxe Cabins, three teepees and started planning our Patio RV sites,” says Cheryl. “The park has a beautiful foundation that is allowing us to create a place where families can get away and enjoy time with each other outdoors.”
Open May 1 – October 31, other amenities and updates to the campground include a new swimming pool, a fishing pond, pavilion, Kamp K9 and more. Special activities are available every Saturday with expanded scheduled for holiday weekend. But don’t worry, the fun isn’t limited to kids; located in the heart of Ohio wine-country adult events from wine-tastings to dinners are held, too. This campground really has something for everyone.
Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA | Virginia
What do Kings Dominion and KOA have in common? Over 40 years of providing guests with a high level of guest service in the camping industry. That is why it’s no surprise that the two are now joining forces to provide guests with a wider range of friendly and fun camping experiences.
Kings Dominion’s Camp Wilderness Campground officially opened in 1978, less than half a mile from the premier amusement park, and since has provided families with a top notch guest experience. Now, as the Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA, it continues to provide everything the camper might need, any time of year. Featuring pull-through sites, campsites and 32 new Deluxe Cabins the campground is a truly modern park thanks to a recent $7.1 million renovation.
“We have such a great family atmosphere here. Guests come for all types of reasons and occasions. Whether they are going to Kings Dominion or just want some quiet family time around the campfire to create memories, we offer it all,” says Manager John Dutton. “Many of our guests have traditions here that keep them returning every year, like getting our hand dipped ice cream or attending our Halloween activities.”
Sussex KOA | New Brunswick
Our newest Canadian campground, the Sussex KOA offers lots of ways to stay. The campground features comfortable pull-through and back-in RV Sites with up to 50-amp servic, a large group area and one-room Camping Cabins and Tent Sites. Other amenities at the park nclude three swimming pools, a splash pad, jumping pillow, multiple playgrounds, a basketball court and horseshoe pits. Activities, including dances and bingo, keep campers of all ages busy and having a great time. One of the most popular attractions is the adjacent Sussex Drive-In, the only drive-in movie theater in southern New Brunswick.
“We’ve owned the campground since 2008 (formerly the Town & Country Campark),” says Thomas Boudrea who owns the campground with his wife Kim. “Our philosophy has always been to provide a safe and friendly family camping location. We joined the KOA system because of the brand recognition it provided.”
